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What is Back Labour During Childbirth?
Back labour is when you feel most of your labour pain in your lower back instead of just in your belly. It’s that deep, dull ache that starts around your spine and can spread to your hips or thighs. The tricky part is that this pain doesn’t always fade between contractions like normal labour pain does. It can feel like a heavy, constant pressure pulling on your back, almost like someone pressing hard on your spine and not letting go.It’s a lot like bad period cramps or sharp back pain, just stronger and longer-lasting. It’s not dangerous, but it can make labour feel tougher and more tiring.
What are the Causes of Back Labour?
Here’s what usually causes back labour:- Baby in a posterior position: This is the most common reason for back labour. It means your baby is head-down, but instead of facing your spine, your baby is facing your tummy. So, the back of your baby’s head presses right against your lower spine and tailbone every time you have a contraction. That pressure is what causes that deep ache in your back.
- Tilted head position: Sometimes the baby’s head enters the birth canal at an angle, with one side pushing more. Because of this uneven pressure, your lower back takes most of the strain, which makes the pain stronger.
- Baby’s head is larger than the pelvis: If your baby’s head is a bit larger than your pelvic opening, it creates extra strain on your back muscles and bones.
- Tight belly muscles: Having tense abdominal muscles can stop the baby from rotating easily into a better spot, keeping them posterior.
- Pelvic shape differences: Every person’s pelvis is shaped differently. Some pelvic shapes naturally make it easier for the baby to face your tummy instead of your back. It’s not something you can control, but it helps to know that your body isn’t doing anything wrong; it’s just how you’re built.
How to Manage Back Labour Pain
You can’t always stop back labour, but there are plenty of ways to make it more manageable:- Apply firm pressure: Have your partner press firmly on your lower back during contractions. This pushes back against the pain and can give instant relief.
- Change your position: Get on all fours, rock your pelvis, or bounce on a birth ball. Try lunges, squats, or swaying while standing. These moves open your hips and can help your baby shift into a better position.
- Massage: A gentle massage on the lower back with warm sesame or coconut oil can relax tense muscles.
- Heat and cold therapy: Apply a warm compress, like a towel soaked in ajwain water, or alternate with cold packs. Just make sure nothing touches your skin directly.
- Medical options: Sterile water injections under the skin in four spots on your lower back can give relief for a few hours. They sting briefly but work well. If the pain is too intense, an epidural can block it completely.
Can You Prevent Back Labour?
Not completely. But there are some things you can do during pregnancy that might help your baby get into a better position and reduce the chances of back labour:- Stay active with walking, gentle stretches, or prenatal yoga.
- Do pelvic tilts.
- When you’re sitting, try to sit up straight with your knees slightly lower than your hips.
- Sitting and gently circling your hips on a birth ball is another great way to open your pelvis and encourage your baby to face your spine.
- Sleep on your left side.
- Avoid lying flat on your back in labour. Tilt to the side instead.
Does Back Labour Affect Delivery or Baby?
No, it doesn’t harm your baby, and many people with back labour still have a normal vaginal birth. But if your baby is in the posterior position, it might make labour longer or more tiring. In some cases, tools like forceps, a vacuum, or an episiotomy may be needed.A C-section is only needed if the baby doesn’t rotate naturally or if labour isn’t progressing well. The positive part is that most babies rotate on their own during labour, so back labour doesn’t automatically mean a complicated delivery.
Back labour can feel never-ending, but understanding why it happens and having a few relief tricks ready can make it much easier to handle. Talk to your doctor, practice these tips during pregnancy, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support team.
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FAQs on Understanding Back Labour: What It Feels Like and How to Cope
- How common is back pain during labour?
Back pain during labour is quite common, affecting around 70 per cent of people. - Does back labour affect the pushing stage?
Yes, back labour can make the pushing stage longer and more challenging.